Axolotls are a type of salamander. They belong to the genus Mole salamander, which means “blunt mouth”, and are native to Mexico City. The first axolotl was discovered in 1555 by Spanish explorers and was thought to be a frog because of its webbed feet. Axolotls were brought back to Europe where they became prized by scientists as well as merchants who sold them for medicinal purposes.
In 1789, two French scientists began studying axolotls in order to understand how limbs develop. Their work led them eventually discover that salamanders had something called “metamorphosis“, which means that their bodies change during development (that’s why they have those funny-looking heads!).
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Axolotls belong to the species Ambystoma mexicanum. |
| They are a type of salamander and are known for their unique characteristics. |
| Axolotls are neotenic, meaning they retain their juvenile features even as adults. |
| They are native to the lakes and canals of Mexico, primarily found in Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco. |
| Axolotls have the remarkable ability to regenerate lost body parts, including limbs, spinal cord, and even parts of their heart and brain. |
| They are critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and pollution. |
| Axolotls are popular pets and are kept in captivity around the world. |
| They require specific care, including a suitable tank setup, proper water conditions, and a balanced diet. |
| The study of axolotls has contributed to advancements in regenerative medicine and understanding limb development. |
What Species Do Axolotls Belong To?
The axolotl is a species of amphibian belonging to the genus Mole salamander and is native to the lakes, canals, and brackish waters of Mexico. Axolotls have large heads with small eyes and flattened bodies that are often covered with a mucus-like substance.
In addition to being known as Mexican salamanders, axolotls are also sometimes called Mexican water dogs. The name “water dog” comes from their distinctive head shape which resembles that of a French Bulldog or Boston Terrier puppy; however, unlike those breeds, they do not need any special care when kept in captivity outside their natural habitat (in fact they require very little maintenance at all).
Understanding the species to which axolotls belong is crucial for appreciating their significance in the ecosystem. Dive deeper into the topic by exploring our article on why axolotls are important and discover the fascinating role they play in maintaining ecological balance.
What Genus Are Axolotls In?
Axolotls are in the genus Ambystoma, which means “blunt tooth.” They are one of four species in the family Ambystomatidae. The other three species are tiger salamanders, newts, and mudpuppies. All members of this family are classified as caudates (Latin for “tail”). Caudates belong to the class Amphibia (Greek for “double life”), which refers to animals that live on land and in water. The order Caudata includes salamanders and newts as well as frogs and sirens—all amphibians with tails!
In short: Axolotls belong to both the genus Ambystoma and its family Ambystomatidae. They also belong to another larger group called caudates or salamanders/newts/frogs/sirens all amphibians with tails!
Are Axolotls Amphibians?
You might be surprised to learn that axolotls are considered amphibians, which is a group of animals that can live both on land and in water. They have gills like fish and lungs like humans, so they don’t have to choose between one or the other they can do both!
This makes them a unique species among amphibians, which typically choose to live either in water or on land (and not both). So what exactly does it mean for an animal to be an “amphibian?”
Do Axolotls Live In Water Or On Land?
Axolotls are amphibians, which means they can live both in water and on land. In the wild, axolotls live in lakes and rivers of Central America. They feed on worms, insects, crustaceans, and small fish. However, they also spend much time on land to avoid predators as well as escape high temperatures during the day.
Curious about the natural habitat of axolotls? Our comprehensive guide on where do axolotls live naturally reveals their preferred environments, shedding light on the conditions necessary for their well-being and survival.
Can You Keep Axolotls Outside Their Habitat?
Axolotls are very sensitive to temperature, so they should be kept indoors. If you want to keep your axolotl outside, then you should make sure that the tank is kept somewhere with a steady temperature and where there isn’t much noise or activity around it.
Axolotls aren’t very active animals, but if you have a large aquarium then they might appreciate having some space to swim in.
| Axolotl Species | Suitable for Outdoor Keeping? |
|---|---|
| Common Axolotl | No |
| Leucistic Axolotl | No |
| Golden Axolotl | No |
| Wild-type Axolotl | No |
| Melanoid Axolotl | No |
What Is The Average Life Span Of An Axolotl?
The average life span of an axolotl is about 10-15 years in captivity, though some individuals can live up to 20 years. The lifespan of wild axolotls is about 15 years, but the conditions that these animals live in can affect how long they survive.
What Are The Closest Living Relatives Of Axolotls?
Axolotls are part of the Ambystoma genus. They are amphibians and can live in either land or water. There are three known species: Ambystoma mexicanum (Mexican tiger salamander), Ambystoma tigrinum (tiger salamander) and Ambystoma texanum (Texas blind salamander).
The first two species have been introduced to North America, whereas the third is found only in Texas. Axolotls belong to an ancient group of animals called caecilians which appeared on Earth over 340 million years ago!
| Axolotl Species | Closest Living Relative |
|---|---|
| Common Axolotl | Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) |
| Leucistic Axolotl | Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) |
| Golden Axolotl | Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) |
| Wild-type Axolotl | Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) |
| Melanoid Axolotl | Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) |
Do Axolotls Lay Eggs Or Give Birth To Their Young?
Axolotls are neotenic, meaning they retain their larval characteristics. This means they do not lay eggs and give birth to live young. They are born live and with the ability to swim (their lungs and gills), see, hear and eat on their own. They also have teeth at birth!
Axolotls hold immense importance in the ecosystem due to their unique characteristics. Discover the reasons behind their ecological significance by reading our informative article on why axolotls are important to the ecosystem, and gain a deeper appreciation for these fascinating creatures.
What Is A Neotenic Axolotl?
- Neotenic axolotls* are a subspecies of axolotls that retain their aquatic larval characteristics into adulthood, unlike most other types of the adult axolotl. Neotenic axolotls do not have any white markings on their bodies and they remain brown, green or pink.
- Neotenic axolots are not albino.* Albino animals have no pigmentation at all and usually have pink eyes as well.
- Neotenic axolotls are not separate species.* They still belong to the same species as all other types of adult axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum).
Are Axolotls Aquatic Or Terrestrial?
Axolotls are aquatic animals that can live in freshwater or saltwater. They are amphibians, meaning they spend part of their life on land and part in water.
Axolotls are neotenic, meaning that they reach sexual maturity but then stop growing and don’t reproduce (which is why axolotls remain relatively small). Although axolotls don’t survive well out of water for long periods of time, they can technically live out of their habitat for short periods if necessary just like humans can go without food for a few days without dying.
To provide optimal care for axolotls, it’s crucial to understand the temperature conditions they require. Explore our detailed resource on what temperature do axolotls live in to learn how to maintain the ideal thermal environment for these unique amphibians.
How Many Subspecies Of Axolotls Are There?
There are many subspecies of axolotls, which means that they can be found in many different colors and patterns. Axolotls are native to Mexico and are a type of salamander. They’re popular pets, but not as much as guinea pigs or cats! You can find them in pet stores all over the world, including in Mexico and Europe!
| Axolotl Species | Number of Subspecies |
|---|---|
| Common Axolotl | 1 |
| Leucistic Axolotl | 1 |
| Golden Axolotl | 1 |
| Wild-type Axolotl | 1 |
| Melanoid Axolotl | 1 |
Are There Different Colors And Patterns Of Axolotls?
Yes, there are different colors and patterns of axolotls. The color and pattern of axolotls depend on the subspecies of axolotls. There are many different color and pattern combinations of axolotls. For example, the most common colors include albino, leucistic, black tiger, and red tiger but there are many other colors like blue-grey, yellowish-brown or even striped!
Delve into the origins of axolotls and uncover their historical background by checking out our article on where do axolotls originate from. Gain insights into their evolutionary journey and geographical distribution, enhancing your understanding of these captivating aquatic creatures.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has answered all your questions about these fascinating creatures and given you a better understanding of the axolotl’s place in nature. We hope you enjoyed reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it!
Further Reading
Britannica: Axolotl: Learn more about the axolotl, a unique amphibian known for its regenerative abilities and distinct physical characteristics.
A-Z Animals: Axolotl: Explore interesting facts about axolotls, including their natural habitat, diet, and breeding habits.
SeaWorld: Axolotl: Discover fascinating information about axolotls, their conservation status, and the challenges they face in the wild.
And here’s the markdown code for the “FAQs” section:
FAQs
How long do axolotls live?
Axolotls can live for about 10 to 15 years in captivity with proper care and maintenance.
Can axolotls regenerate lost body parts?
Yes, axolotls are renowned for their remarkable regenerative abilities, being able to regrow lost limbs, organs, and even parts of their spinal cord.
What do axolotls eat?
Axolotls are carnivorous and primarily feed on small aquatic invertebrates, such as worms, insects, and small crustaceans.
Do axolotls require a specific water temperature?
Yes, axolotls thrive in cooler water temperatures and prefer a range of 60 to 68°F (15 to 20°C) for optimal health and well-being.
Can axolotls breathe underwater?
Yes, axolotls are capable of extracting oxygen from the water through their gills, allowing them to respire underwater throughout their entire lives.
I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.